Monday, June 30, 2008

Drug Abuse

Today in job training my class reviewed the drug abuse policy. Upon completion, seventy percent of the class bolted for the door, made a pit stop at a vending machine to pick up a caffeinated beverage, and then headed to the designated smoking area.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The Best Gifts Come In Small Packages

It used to be that the bigger the gift on your birthday or Christmas the better. And your parents would say, "The best gifts come in the smallest packages." That was so lame. Clothes and books came in small packages. I wanted a bike or a go-cart.

Now the best gifts do come in small packages. I was at Target and a man was buying a video game. It was a quarter the size of my gallon of milk, but was way cooler. And, for a kid, was definitely better than clothes or a book.

"The best gifts come in small packages" has lost its character-building sting.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Tree of the Week (6.24.08)



Just Take What We Are Given?

I started my new job this week. So far, so good.

It seems like a good place to work and my trainer is a nice guy. In addition to his frequent noun-to-verb number agreement being incorrect, he said something about God that struck me as interesting. When giving a description of a corporation that we answer to, he said, "[Insert corporation] is like God. We just take what they give us."

I am not entirely sure what to think about that statement.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Really?


Technology is arrogant at times. What are we promoting today that will prove to be detrimental to humanity?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Rainbows

In the past week, we have had multiple storms and multiple rainbows here in Fargo.





Has anyone ever thought that we are on the right side of the rainbow? Maybe the other side isn't so great? Although an unpopular view to the rest of culture, I am glad I am on this side. Or at least on this side of God's covenant...

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Fridge Poetry

Resident Thorns poet, Jordan, composed this masterpiece on my refrigerator.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Resolution 5

Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

I t has been a while since I have posted a resolution. I hope you haven't forgotten about them.

This is a resolution that Edwards was the model of. He has always struck me as a diligent man who always made the best of his time.

I think that this resolution could be misinterpreted or manipulated. Losing a moment of time could be read as not doing something, like raking leaves for your neighbor or telling kinds to not do drugs. But I think Edwards is saying that making your time profitable is higher than that. Weigh everything that you do. Is this glorifying to God? If so, do it. If not, don't. I think that is Edwards' point. You can eat, drink, or whatever to the glory of God. And that makes your time profitable.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31

Monday, June 09, 2008

Sometimes I Think I Am Good Enough...

How is it that I could ever think that I alone have enough merit to please God?

"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -Matthew 5:48

That's not possible for me alone, but isn't the Gospel great? The merit that I am incapable of generating is simply projected onto me in exchange for my sin, and ultimately the wrath of God, all by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. What a great transfer!

So how could I ever slip into a pattern where my gratitude is diminished because I feel that I have the right to any of this?

Oh, Lord! Keep me from this behavior...

Sunday, June 08, 2008

Tree of the Week (6.3.08)



A little late this week, but a cool tree nonetheless.

Saturday, June 07, 2008

A Good Week: A Lesson in Trust

Well, I am finally back online.

This week turned out to be a good one, despite my bloglessness. Here's why:

  1. I got a job! Remember that job I didn't get in my post Unemployed, But More Like Christ? I got that job. It was funny too. I had pursued that job more than any other and I wasn't getting any sort of response. And a day after I decided to give up, I got a call for an interview. I interviewed on Monday and on Wednesday I had a job!
  2. It was my birthday on Thursday. Rebekah got me an amazing gift for graduation/birthday/wedding and gave it to me at the surprise party she set up for me. God has blessed me with a wonderful woman. She is so encouraging and thoughtful.
  3. I am online. And I did not have to use the internet company that my roommates and I had such a difficult time with in our last place. That's a blessing.
  4. Lastly, I learned a lot about trusting the Lord and waiting. Not having a job and knowing you have to provide is a really difficult thing to be kept from. But the Lord knows what I need. And when I need it.
It was a good week.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Sparse Posting

I apologize for the recent lack of posts. I have been moving and I am not yet connected to the internet at my new place. And since my laptop at the church went missing, getting online has been a bit of a struggle. It may be a few more days before I get back into the groove. Thanks for bearing with me.

Here are some suggestions of things to do with your new found free time:

  1. Read your Bible
  2. Study your Bible
  3. Memorize Scripture
  4. Call your friends and discuss Biblical topics
So there you have it. Get going!